Philippine President Marcos Delivers SONA Amid Crises, Protests, South China Sea Disputes

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address amid multiple crises, including the aftermath of deadly storms that displaced over 120,000 people, ongoing territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea, and a turbulent political climate marked by a dynastic feud with Vice President Sara Duterte and her family. Security was heightened with 22,000 policemen deployed around the House of Representatives in Quezon City, where thousands protested against inflation and called for Duterte's impeachment over alleged crimes. Marcos' administration is halfway through its six-year term and is focusing on reporting progress and addressing economic challenges worsened by the pandemic, such as poverty, unemployment, inflation, and hunger. Political tensions remain high following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court and the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, who did not attend the address. Senate President Chiz Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Marcos' cousin, retained their leadership roles in Congress, underscoring the administration's political control. The 2025 SONA was a simpler event in light of recent tropical cyclones, reflecting the government's focus on disaster response and national recovery.